Internet Service Providers in Virginia
Looking for internet service providers in Virginia?
From talking with friends to watching movies to work, much of our lives now rely on the internet. If you’re moving to Virginia or looking for a better deal, you’ll want to know who offers the best speeds and prices. To help with that, here’s a look at internet service providers in Virginia.
Internet Providers Near Me in Virginia
Virginia is a reasonably well-connected area, with 94% of the state having access to at least three ISPs. Available internet service providers include:
- Cox
- Verizon
- Xfinity
- CenturyLink
- Spectrum
- Viasat
- HughesNet
- Suddenlink
- Point Broadband
- Atlantic Broadband
- BlueSpring Broadband
- GigaBeam Networks
- All Points Broadband
- Empower Broadband
Not all these providers serve the entire state. Double-check with your exact address to see if these ISPs are available in your specific neighborhood.
Cheapest Internet Providers in Virginia
One of the most important considerations in choosing an ISP is the cost. Thankfully, plenty of providers in Virginia offer affordable internet. Here’s a look at each one’s monthly prices, from cheapest to most expensive:
- Xfinity: $20 per month
- SuddenLink: $24.99 per month
- Cox: $29.99 per month
- Atlantic: $34.99 per month
- Viasat: $35 per month
- BlueSpring: $39.95 per month
- Verizon: $39.99 per month
- HughesNet: $39.99 per month
- Empower: $49.95 per month
- Spectrum: $49.99 per month
- CenturyLink: $50 per month
- Point: $55.95 per month
- GigaBeam: $59 per month
- All Points: $59.95 per month
These prices reflect the cheapest available plan for each provider. Many ISPs adjust their prices from location to location, so remember to check your address before deciding on one.
High-Speed Internet Options in Virginia
Another thing you’ll want to consider is internet speed. A good benchmark for high-speed internet is 25 Mbps or higher, which is enough for high-definition streaming and gaming. All local providers in Virginia offer those speeds.
For some providers, like Empower, you’ll have to pay more to reach the 25 Mbps mark. If you have a lot of connected devices or live with multiple people, you’ll likely want faster speeds. Most providers in Virginia offer gigabit internet or rates close to 1,000 Mbps and above. These are:
- GigaBeam
- Empower
- Point
- CenturyLink
- Suddenlink
- Atlantic
- Cox
- Verizon
- Xfinity
- Spectrum
Gigabit packages are typically the most expensive service tiers ISPs offer. While these speeds are available, they may not be financially viable.
How Do I Get DSL Internet?
While browsing internet providers, you’ve probably come across the term DSL. DSL stands for digital subscriber line and uses phone lines to deliver internet service. These connections are often widely accessible and easy to set up.
If you find a DSL provider you think is right for you, enter your address to ensure you’re in their coverage zone. Getting internet access is often as simple as plugging the router they give you into a coaxial outlet.
Can You Get Wireless Internet Without a Phone Line?
DSL is not the only type of connection available. Phone lines can be slow, so if you want faster speeds, you can get internet service without them. Cable is similar but uses TV lines, making it equally accessible and often faster.
Fiber optic internet uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit signals, which is the fastest connection type. A few Virginia ISPs, like Verizon and CenturyLink, offer fiber internet, but coverage areas for these services are generally small.
Is There a Way to Get Free Internet?
Internet connections can be expensive, even at their cheapest available rates. If that’s an issue, you technically can get free internet, but your options are limited.
More than 800 companies and associations have pledged to make Wi-Fi more accessible amid COVID-19. Many of these providers have expanded access to free public hotspots as part of that initiative. These hotspots can give you free internet, but you may not be able to access them from your home, speeds may be slow and they’re often less secure.
Find the Best Internet Service Providers in Virginia
No matter your requirements, there’s likely an internet service provider in Virginia that suits you. Use this information as a starting point to find the ISP with the speeds, coverage and prices you need.